Options for Europe’s ‘geopolitical’ future
Global challenges have left only one option off the table for the European Union—inertia.
Politics
Reviving democracy in a fragmented Europe
Addressing economic inequality is key to restoring political participation and democratic legitimacy.
EU social agenda beyond 2024—no time to waste
As a high-level group on social protection and welfare reports today, Belgium’s social-affairs minister advances the next EU social agenda.
Pension reform in Germany—a market solution?
The proposal for an equity reserve will not solve the challenge of making pensions sustainable.
The new European civil war
However the war in Ukraine ends, a new iron curtain will follow unless the EU lives up to its ‘geopolitical’ aspirations.
Europe’s stars must shine for artists and creatives
A Spanish decree to provide more security for artists and other cultural workers should accelerate EU-level action.
Europe’s industry and the ecological transition
Tackling deindustrialisation and degradation requires not a technological fix but a political alternative.
Social dialogue in central and eastern Europe
Union recognition can be a tough battle in EU member states in central and eastern Europe.
Ukraine war: attitudes changing to women soldiers
Attitudes to women in the Ukrainian military are changing as thousands serve on the front lines.
Military secrets and the World Trade Organization
A world at peace depends on making knowledge which could be of military as well as commercial value a public good.
Europe’s energy transition starts to speed up
When Russia invaded Ukraine, many feared Europe’s green-energy transition would be collateral damage. Far from it.
Setting standards for national equality bodies
Advancing gender equality in the EU depends on strong equality bodies in the member states.
The left and freedom
Democratic socialists must take back the concept of freedom from the libertarians, Robert Misik writes.
Flooded Pakistan, symbol of climate injustice
The $9 billion promised to Pakistan is only a sticking plaster until the west acknowledges the dire climate legacy in south Asia.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: a reality check for the EU
The war has been widely portrayed as a turning point for EU foreign policy but it is more of an epiphany.
Homelessness among asylum-seekers in Brussels
The ‘securitisation’ of migration and asylum has not only meant drownings in the Mediterranean but also destitution in Europe’s cities.
Towards a permanent EU investment fund
Meeting the EU’s climate and energy goals will mean ramping up public investment via a permanent fund.
Embedding sustainability in a government programme
Sustainable development is a global task largely to be delivered by national governments. What can they learn from the leader—Finland?
Social dialogue must be at the heart of Europe’s future
This week the European Commission will publish a proposal to revivify social dialogue. It must be more than words.